Michael D. Eisner

Businessman/Philanthropist

California State University, Northridge

Michael D. Eisner is a man who envisions possibilities and then works to make those dreams come true. Mr. Eisner's commitment to excellence in business, his philanthropic leadership and his personal dedication to helping the community's most vulnerable children are of great merit and deserve the highest recognition.

As head of the Walt Disney Company for more than two decades, Mr. Eisner transformed the troubled company into an incredibly successful media powerhouse and increased the company's revenues from $1.5 billion to more than $30 billion. His corporate vision has strengthened the economy of California, resulting in thousands of new jobs in California, nationally and worldwide. His influence and guidance have truly helped to shape the culture of our generation and our children's generation. Mr. Eisner's legacy of quality family entertainment will always touch people's hearts and imaginations.

Just as notably, Eisner has demonstrated leadership in giving back to those less fortunate. He has a strong personal belief that all children have the potential for success and, through his family's foundation, has donated generously toward helping children who face barriers to fulfilling their hopes and dreams. Committed to supporting organizations that improve and enrich the lives of underserved children, the Eisner Foundation annually provides approximately $7 million to nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, focusing on after-school programs, learning differences, integrating the arts into education, prevention and treatment for abuse and neglect, parent education, childcare and access to basic medical care.

Through Mr. Eisner's $7 million leadership gift from the foundation to California State University, Northridge in 2002, the campus established the Center for Teaching and Learning, which already has become nationally recognized for leadership and innovation in preparing teachers to support all types of learners. The university is proud to honor his legacy and to have its education college named for him.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements as a leader, philanthropist and advocate for education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Northridge are proud to confer upon Michael D. Eisner the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.